† ˈwortworm Obs.
Forms: 4–5 worte worm (6 worme), 5 wortworme, -wyrme, wurtwurme.
[f. wort n. + worm n.]
A caterpillar that feeds on worts or cabbages.
| 1388 Wyclif Joel i. 4 A locuste eet the residue of a worte worm [L. residuum erucæ]. c 1440 Promp. Parv. 532/2 Wort wyrme, þat etythe wortys, eruca. c 1440 Palladius on Husb. i. 880 Tak Iuce of hennebane With sour aysel,..Ereither wol be wortewormys bane. 1496 Bk. St. Albans, Fishing i j b, In August take wortwormes & magotes. 1530 Palsgr. 290/2 Worte worme. |